Dear Paul,
Thank you for responding to my question about the diet of those crittors. I
appreciate you sharing your knowledge with a not so knowledgeable.
Thanks,
Douw Steyn
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Monfils" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, November 02, 2001 5:06 AM
Subject: Re: Diet


> Akera is reported to be herbivorous, feeding on algae.
>
> Bulla are generally carnivorous, engulfing their prey (largely other
> mollusks) whole. One notable claim to the contrary is Kay's Hawaiian
> Marine Shells, in which the author states that Bulla in Hawaii is
> herbivorous - and even names the type of algae it feeds on!  Can anyone
> confirm this??
>
> Abbott (1974) said that Umbraculum umbraculum feeds on sponges.  Other
> sources say that it grazes on microscopic algae that live on sponges and
> other surfaces.
>
> Siphonaria, like most mollusks of a "limpet form", are grazers on
> microscopic algae.
>
> Spirula is a cephalopod, and is therefore a carnivore.  The animal is
> squid-like in appearance, and catches small animals with its tentacles,
> but I don't know just what is its usual prey.
>
> Paul M.
>